Review published February 25, 2004

A.J.'s Rating:  5 Stars

The Passion of the Christ is Mel Gibson's dramatic interpretation of The Passion, which depicts the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, up to and including the crucifixion. These events are composited from accounts documented in the four Biblical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament.         Not surprisingly, this film has met with heated controversy and debate. Much of this controversy is centered on the issue of placing blame. Who was responsible for Jesus Christ's death? Well, guess what? That's not my call to make. I'm writing this review to share my thoughts about a movie. When the subject of blame comes up, it will be in that context.         The events of the film begin five days after Jesus of Nazareth, portrayed by James Caviezel, arrives in Jerusalem for the Jewish observance of Passover. On this day, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot. Judas's betrayal led to Jesus's arrest, trial, and ultimate condemnation for crimes of blasphemy by the high priests of the Pharisees.         Jesus had come teaching values of peace and love amongst all peoples. This, in itself, was not a problem. The Jewish high priests were understandably distressed, however, when Jesus interrupted temple affairs, proclaiming himself King of the Jews, Son of God. Eyewitness reports of miracles having been performed by Jesus did not help the situation!         Blasphemous remarks aside, the high priests also knew that, if Jesus's radical activities were allowed to continue and his following allowed to grow, it would endanger their power and authority over the people. After being found guilty of blasphemy, Jesus was brought before the Roman Governor of Palestine, Pontius Pilate. Pilate was not happy about this, believing that any decision he made on the matter would result in an uprising and endanger his political standing. Jesus's disciples were likewise of little help. Sure, it's easy to say you will stick by someone to the death, but to actually be faced with having to honor that pledge is usually enough to give one a different perspective on things.         What follows is the most unflinchingly realistic Biblical epic ever made, as unbearable punishment meets the unwavering Word of God. Daringly, Gibson makes no attempt to soften the amount of suffering that Jesus was forced to endure. Does Gibson go too far by presenting these events in a graphically accurate fashion? I don't think so. If anything, the levels of violence and blood in The Passion of the Christ are entirely appropriate, demonstrating the tremendous amount of reverence and respect Gibson has for his subject matter. To hold back the violence in order to present a more "family-friendly" experience would lessen the impact of Jesus Christ's supremely significant act of self-sacrifice.         In addition to the realistic brutality, Gibson has also chosen to present the events in the original languages of those involved. All dialogue in the film is in either Aramaic, Latin, or Hebrew with English subtitles. Amazingly, James Caviezel had to learn lines in all three languages to play Jesus! To better clarify some aspects of the story, Gibson even uses flashbacks to the Last Supper, as well as to Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. Say what you will about its content, but Gibson's commitment to this project is truly astounding.          The question remains. Who is to blame for Jesus Christ's death? Well, the impression this movie leaves me with is that, if you insist on placing blame, look no further than human nature. In the film, the actions of many people contributed to Jesus's death. While each of these people had different reasons for their actions, their underlying motivation was exactly the same. Fear. People fear what they do not understand. People fear loss of control. People fear suffering and death. Even after 2000 years, these fears have not changed, and if history is any indicator, they're not likely to change in the next 2000 years, either. It seems to me that Gibson has intended not to place blame, but rather to encourage the thoughtful, open exchange of religious ideas between people of all faiths, Christian or otherwise. Is that so frightening? Perhaps it is...        The Passion of the Christ is a powerful experience. Whether you choose to believe in Gibson's vision of The Passion or not, it is undeniably an incredible work of art. Beyond its religous connotations, The Passion of the Christ beautifully illustrates the heights to which Man can rise, as well as the depths to which Man can descend. It made me think. It made me reflect. Many will find it both uplifting and inspirational. Others will find in it much to debate. As I see it, that's simply good moviemaking. Bravo!

Directed By:  Mel Gibson Written By:  Mel Gibson / Benedict Fitzgerald (screenplay) Starring: James Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Claudia Gerini, Maia Morgenstern, Sergio Rubini, Toni Bertorelli, Roberto Bestazzoni, Francesco Cabras, Rosalinda Celentano, Emilio De Marchi, Francesco De Vito, Lello Giulivo, Abel Jefry, Hristo Jivkov, Luca Lionello, Hristo Shopov MPAA: Rated R for sequences of graphic violence.

The Passion of the Christ

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